Radiation for Brain Cancer

Brain cancer occurs when cells in or on the brain grow abnormally and a tumor forms. A tumor may originate in the brain or start elsewhere in the body and metastasize to the brain. One of the primary treatments for brain cancer is radiation therapy. A physician will evaluate the type, size and location of the tumor to determine if radiation is needed.

Facts

• Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays, or gamma rays, to destroy the cancer. A radiation bean is directed at the area of the brain with the cancer. The patient is positioned on the table and instructed to lie still during treatment. The beam is directed at the brain for a few minutes. The treatment is painless. A specific number of radiation sessions is prescribed by a physician.

Types

• A few different types of radiation therapy are used to treat brain cancer. External beam radiation is common. It is usually given daily for a specific number of weeks. The beam is directed at the precise location of the tumor to help destroy the cancer cells with as little damage to healthy cells as possible. Hyperfractionation is another radiation therapy option. Instead of getting radiation once a day, patients get smaller doses of radiation three times a day.

Function

• Radiation may be prescribed to try to destroy the cancer completely, slow down its growth or relieve symptoms of brain cancer, such as severe headaches and loss of movement in the arms and legs. Radiation affects the cancer cells in two ways. It can kill cells and inhibit the cancer cell's ability to multiply. If the cells are killed off, or at least stop growing, the tumor gradually shrinks and may eventually be destroyed completely. Radiation treatment will not work for every patient.

Considerations

• The number of radiation sessions needed depends on the several factors, including the size and type of tumor. Radiation may be used in conjunction with other types of treatment, such as surgery and chemotherapy. It may also be used when a tumor is inoperable due to its location in the brain. There is a limit to the amount of radiation the brain can take. A physician will determine the amount of radiation that can safely be administered.

Side Effects

• Because healthy brain cells are also affected by radiation, there are often side effects with treatment. Side effects vary, depending on the part of the brain that is receiving radiation and the number of treatments. Nausea, loss of appetite and fatigue are common side effects from treatment. Almost all people who have radiation therapy lose their hair in the area where the radiation beam is directed. Some people may also experience a loss of memory and problems with balance.